80 pc ReT Teachers allegedly appointed through favouritism, incapable of providing quality education
Parents demand reforms, Merit-Based Appointments before Policy Implementation
JAMMU: The government hierarchy has outrightly rejected the proposal mandating government employees to enroll their children in government schools, citing widespread concerns over the deteriorating standards of education in these institutions. While the initiative was seen by many as a step towards strengthening public education, critics argue that the system is plagued with inefficiencies and lacks the necessary infrastructure to provide quality learning.
- This decision comes amid growing concerns regarding the credibility of Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) teachers in Jammu and Kashmir, many of whom are alleged to have been appointed through political favoritism rather than merit. Parents and educationists have raised serious apprehensions over the capability of these teachers, asserting that they lack the necessary qualifications and teaching skills to shape young minds effectively.
In a representation submitted to the School Education Department, parents and government employees expressed strong objections to the policy, highlighting the deteriorating standards of education in government schools. The representation alleged that nearly 80% of ReT teachers were appointed based on favoritism, with many obtaining degrees through fraudulent means, including proxy candidates and dubious private IGNOU centers. As a result, these teachers are deemed incapable of providing quality education, further deteriorating the learning environment in government institutions.
The representation emphasizes that these inadequacies have compelled families, including ReT teachers themselves, to send their children to private schools to ensure a better future. They claimed that students in government schools under ReT teachers, struggling with even basic reading and writing, and many teachers themselves lack proficiency in English and Urdu. There are also allegations of false enrollment figures, with many students officially registered in government schools but actually attending private institutions. Additionally, corruption within the Midday Meal Scheme has been highlighted, with accusations that a significant portion of funds is being misappropriated.
The petition also questioned the effectiveness of monitoring authorities, including Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs), Chief Education Officers (CEOs), and the Directorate of School Education, who are accused of negligence and manipulating student records to conceal the declining state of education.
In light of these concerns, the petitioners have suggested urgent reforms, including conducting competency tests for all ReT teachers, removing those appointed through illegitimate means, and reassigning incompetent teachers to other government departments such as PHE, PDD, CISF, and municipalities. They demand that only qualified, trained, and meritorious teachers be inducted to restore confidence in government schools.
The government employees warned that if these issues are not addressed, forcing them to admit their children to such schools will severely impact their academic future and further degrade the education system in Jammu and Kashmir. They urged the authorities to implement corrective measures before enforcing any such directive.
Amit Kapoor, President of the Parents Association Jammu, told ‘The Northlines’ that the government should implement the order in letter and spirit, mandating government employees to enroll their children in government schools. He emphasized that quality education and true educational equality can only be achieved when children from all socio-economic backgrounds, including those of IAS and JKAS officers as well as underprivileged families, study together in the same institutions. This, he argued, would not only improve the standard of government schools but also bridge the gap between privileged and underprivileged students, fostering a more inclusive and equitable education system.
